USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center

06/12/2025

“These two are always on stage and aware of it,” says Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan of Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom. Their clash isn’t just about policy — it’s about power, perception, and control of the narrative. As Trump provokes and Newsom pushes back, the fight over California has become a national drama about democracy itself.

The two are in the spotlight in a dramatic dispute over both values and tactics

06/06/2025

Celebrate Pride in the heart of Hollywood! 🌈

Pride LIVE! is a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ pop culture—featuring iconic screenings, star-studded panels, rooftop parties, and vibrant community events.

Join us for a special highlight on Wednesday, June 11 at Emerson College Los Angeles. Hear from a dozen actors, writers, producers and directors who worked on Norman’s shows and watch how they depicted the LGBTQ+ community. Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan will reflect on Norman Lear’s trailblazing legacy of inclusive storytelling on TV, with a welcome by Lyn Lear.

Tickets at www.pridelivehollywood.com

05/12/2025

Congrats to our Hollywood, Health & Society program!

05/08/2025

JOIN US AT THE 2025 HOLLYWOOD CLIMATE SUMMIT

We’re proud to be a community partner for this year’s Hollywood Climate Summit, happening June 2–4 in Los Angeles and online. This annual gathering brings together people working across entertainment, media, and advocacy to explore how storytelling can drive meaningful climate action.

The annual summit focuses on creativity, collaboration, and cross-industry connection—with programming that includes mainstage conversations, climate comedy, hands-on workshops, and shared meals featuring local plant-based food.

As a community partner, we’re able to offer our community 50% off tickets and passes with the code PARTNERHCS25. If you’re curious about how your work intersects with climate storytelling—or want to meet others thinking about the same—this is a great place to start.

At the Lear Center, we’re committed to addressing the climate crisis through both research and engagement with the entertainment industry. You can learn more about our work on climate and media here at lear.center/climatechange

More info and tickets: hollywoodclimatesummit.com/tickets

04/28/2025

Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan reflects on a hard truth in today's Guardian: the show that once redefined TV journalism is now caught between profits and principles — and under Trump’s pressure, it’s the principles that are at risk.

The US president’s tensions with the CBS show barely scratch the surface of his crusade against the media

04/18/2025

Big thanks to Noah Wyle for the amazing shoutout to our Hollywood, Health & Society program!💥 HH&S is our powerhouse outreach arm, connecting entertainment writers with real-world experts on health, safety, and security.

It’s been an honor to support The Pitt’s talented writing team as they shape a gripping and powerful first season. We’re proud to be part of this journey—and look forward to continuing the collaboration in seasons to come.

Noah Wyle, the star and executive producer of Max's hit medical drama, spoke with The Times about the whirlwind first season, which concluded Thursday.

04/15/2025

On the eve of Earth Day, USC's Vice Provost of the Arts Josh Kun (who directs of our Popular Music Project) joins USC Thornton School of Music Dean Jason King to present an urgent half-day symposium and teach-in focusing on the impact of the L.A. wildfires, highlighting the pivotal role artists play in responding to crises of this magnitude, and exploring the intersection of creativity, climate justice, and sustainability.

This event is free and open to all but reservations are required.

https://visionsandvoices.usc.edu/events/49154140860484

04/04/2025

"Stories will feel outdated if they don’t acknowledge this is part of our world now.”

03/21/2025

Lear Center Director Marty Kaplan on Hollywood’s shifting approach to diversity: “Really never, but especially right now, no studio wants its movie branded as a D.E.I. lesson.”

As audience reactions change, studios are becoming more cautious.

The dwarfs. The casting. The politics of the lead actress. And that wig! Is Disney’s live-action remake of the classic film doomed by culture war skirmishes?

03/12/2025

We're !

Check out our program Hollywood, Health & Society's free panel on this Thursday, March 13th at Writers Guild of America West in collaboration with Project Sleep. They'll be providing complimentary free parking for attendees – just be sure to RVSP at

A discussion on insomnia and lesser-known sleep disorders, and how TV storylines can dispel myths.

02/24/2025

Meet ‪Managing Director Johanna Blakley. She studies how media, culture and tech shape entertainment and public opinion. She’s also finished a novel based on her work that explores how AI & entertainment could fundamentally change the world.

Read the great profile in Voyage LA!

lear.center/4ifGOKj

Today we’d like to introduce you to Johanna Blakley Hi Johanna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?Hi! My name is Johanna Blakley and […]

02/02/2025

Huge congratulations to our Popular Music Project Director Josh Kun on his first-ever nomination! Kun has been nominated for Best Album Notes – SONtrack Original De La Película “Al Son De Beno.” The film and the album bring together archival recordings that tell the story of Baruj ‘Beno’ Lieberman, the Mexican-born son of Polish Jewish immigrants who dedicated a decade documenting Mexico’s folkloric music. 🎶

We’ll be tuned into the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs ceremony tonight on CBS! 🏆